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Othergirl
Louise and Erica have been best friends since forever. They're closer than sisters and depend on each other for almost everything. Just one problem: Erica has superpowers.
When Erica isn't doing loop-the-loops in the sky or burning things with her heat pulse powers, she needs Louise to hold her non-super life together. After all, the girls still have homework, parents and boys to figure out. But being a superhero's BFF is not easy, especially as trouble has a way of seeking them out. Soon Louise discovers that Erica might be able to survive explosions and fly faster than a speeding bullet, but she can't win every fight by herself.
Life isn't a comic book - it's even crazier than that.
When Erica isn't doing loop-the-loops in the sky or burning things with her heat pulse powers, she needs Louise to hold her non-super life together. After all, the girls still have homework, parents and boys to figure out. But being a superhero's BFF is not easy, especially as trouble has a way of seeking them out. Soon Louise discovers that Erica might be able to survive explosions and fly faster than a speeding bullet, but she can't win every fight by herself.
Life isn't a comic book - it's even crazier than that.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2015
4 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Burstein
3 books42 followersHi, I'm Nicole!
I'm a writer from North West London, and Othergirl is my first novel.
Well, I say first novel, but really there are a good few other novels hiding in the back of my drawer, never to see the light of day. Seriously, they're really rather rubbish. You don't want to see them.
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Even when I was too young for 'proper' books, I used to make my own books out of folded up bits of paper that I bound with sellotape. I'd then fill the pages with doddles and random gobbledegook. Book have always been really important to me. When I'm not writing my own stories, I'm normally gushing or fangirling over someone elses!
Other interests include comic books (I'm a Marvel addict), nerding out over old maps of London, and Bichon Frises. Am most commonly found lurking on twitter.
Hugs and high fives,
Nicole
x
I'm a writer from North West London, and Othergirl is my first novel.
Well, I say first novel, but really there are a good few other novels hiding in the back of my drawer, never to see the light of day. Seriously, they're really rather rubbish. You don't want to see them.
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Even when I was too young for 'proper' books, I used to make my own books out of folded up bits of paper that I bound with sellotape. I'd then fill the pages with doddles and random gobbledegook. Book have always been really important to me. When I'm not writing my own stories, I'm normally gushing or fangirling over someone elses!
Other interests include comic books (I'm a Marvel addict), nerding out over old maps of London, and Bichon Frises. Am most commonly found lurking on twitter.
Hugs and high fives,
Nicole
x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 20, 2016
Othergirl has been on my radar for a long while. I've followed Nicole on Twitter for a long time and I was so excited when I heard she had her book deal I've always enjoyed her humour and geeky take on life and her personality shines through in this book. I adored every page and cannot wait to read more from Nicole in the future.
Othergirl is the story of Louise BFF to Superhero Erica. I adored Louise. She is just so normal and there is so much about her I could relate to. She's a worrier regularly found sat at home fretting over how things are going whilst her BFF is out being a superhero. She's sensible and practical. Whilst Erica is off with her head in the clouds thinking about joining the Vigils, Louise is worrying that her friend isn't doing her homework and the impact that'll have on her GCSE performance. She is the one patching up Erica's superhero costume in the evenings and spending her free time at school in the school library. She knits. I love that she knits. I love that girl and wish she'd been my BFF when I was a teen.
I love the relationship between the girls. They are so very different but it works and I loved seeing how the relationship worked and how they balanced one another out. I also adored Louise's friend Toby who was such an incredibly cute geeky boy.
I read this book in a matter of hours because the storyline was well paced and exciting and I foud myself unable to put the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The superhero element made it a really exciting read. I loved how original the ideas in the story were taking traditional and frankly sexist ideas about female superheroes and challenging them.
All in all a book I adored. Nicole is an author who has found herself onto my autobuy list with this awesome debut novel.
Othergirl is the story of Louise BFF to Superhero Erica. I adored Louise. She is just so normal and there is so much about her I could relate to. She's a worrier regularly found sat at home fretting over how things are going whilst her BFF is out being a superhero. She's sensible and practical. Whilst Erica is off with her head in the clouds thinking about joining the Vigils, Louise is worrying that her friend isn't doing her homework and the impact that'll have on her GCSE performance. She is the one patching up Erica's superhero costume in the evenings and spending her free time at school in the school library. She knits. I love that she knits. I love that girl and wish she'd been my BFF when I was a teen.
I love the relationship between the girls. They are so very different but it works and I loved seeing how the relationship worked and how they balanced one another out. I also adored Louise's friend Toby who was such an incredibly cute geeky boy.
I read this book in a matter of hours because the storyline was well paced and exciting and I foud myself unable to put the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The superhero element made it a really exciting read. I loved how original the ideas in the story were taking traditional and frankly sexist ideas about female superheroes and challenging them.
All in all a book I adored. Nicole is an author who has found herself onto my autobuy list with this awesome debut novel.
August 3, 2015
I really wanted to love this book but it's just not working for me. I've been trying to get through it for months (from April to August!) but keep making excuses not to pick it up.
I think it's perhaps aimed at a younger audience than I realised but it's the friendship between Louise and Erica that really bothered me. Louise may be the narrator but it's ALL about Erica, we don't even find out Louise's name until the third chapter!
Erica is the one with super powers and Louise is basically her unpaid & completely unappreciated skivvy. Louise designs & sews Erica's costumes, does her homework and listens to all her problems. What does Louise get out of it? Not. A. Single. Thing! Erica won't even be seen talking to her at school because she's not one of the popular crowd and I certainly never saw her say thank you or ask her how her day was!
Perhaps that changes by the end of the book, perhaps Louise grows some ovaries & tells Erica to go to hell or perhaps Erica realises what a bitch she has been and makes it up to Louise but I just don't care enough to find out.
I'm sorry but I can't do it anymore & this goes on the DNF pile :-(
I think it's perhaps aimed at a younger audience than I realised but it's the friendship between Louise and Erica that really bothered me. Louise may be the narrator but it's ALL about Erica, we don't even find out Louise's name until the third chapter!
Erica is the one with super powers and Louise is basically her unpaid & completely unappreciated skivvy. Louise designs & sews Erica's costumes, does her homework and listens to all her problems. What does Louise get out of it? Not. A. Single. Thing! Erica won't even be seen talking to her at school because she's not one of the popular crowd and I certainly never saw her say thank you or ask her how her day was!
Perhaps that changes by the end of the book, perhaps Louise grows some ovaries & tells Erica to go to hell or perhaps Erica realises what a bitch she has been and makes it up to Louise but I just don't care enough to find out.
I'm sorry but I can't do it anymore & this goes on the DNF pile :-(
March 23, 2015
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of following Nicole on Twitter will instantly recognise her voice in this novel. Friend, geek, magnet for (and confessor of) amusing calamity… her genuine warmth and kindness radiate through this debut as effectively as a gamma bomb radiates through your body when your name’s Bruce Banner.
This is an engaging read, stuffed full of all the usual dramas associated with teen fiction (boys, parents, homework, peers, etc.) and some of the more unusual dramas, too. (See inside for tips on how to deal with boy-induced heart flutters while attempting to defrost your best friend). Above all these, this is a story about friendship. This book really works to explore the roller coaster highs and lows of being BFFs. The clever side-kick perspective, penned with natural wit and humour makes me sure that this book is going to be a huge hit with a lot of younger teens. It’s clear that ‘Othergirl’ has sprung from the imagination of a genuine superhero fan, and it’s all the stronger for it.
The superhero slant is really refreshing in a genre still mired in the gloomier side of fantasy, and having read it, I’d guess that Burstein’s super power is her ability to feel like your best big sister. This book is sensitive, but with added spandex. It is bold, and bright inside and out. This book would NOT be afraid to wear its pants on the outside. Bravo, Miss Burstein. Here’s hoping for many more adventures to come!
This is an engaging read, stuffed full of all the usual dramas associated with teen fiction (boys, parents, homework, peers, etc.) and some of the more unusual dramas, too. (See inside for tips on how to deal with boy-induced heart flutters while attempting to defrost your best friend). Above all these, this is a story about friendship. This book really works to explore the roller coaster highs and lows of being BFFs. The clever side-kick perspective, penned with natural wit and humour makes me sure that this book is going to be a huge hit with a lot of younger teens. It’s clear that ‘Othergirl’ has sprung from the imagination of a genuine superhero fan, and it’s all the stronger for it.
The superhero slant is really refreshing in a genre still mired in the gloomier side of fantasy, and having read it, I’d guess that Burstein’s super power is her ability to feel like your best big sister. This book is sensitive, but with added spandex. It is bold, and bright inside and out. This book would NOT be afraid to wear its pants on the outside. Bravo, Miss Burstein. Here’s hoping for many more adventures to come!
December 22, 2014
Smart, geeky and hugely fun, this is a superhero story from the sidekick's perspective. Great stuff!
June 9, 2023
Erica và Louise là hai người bạn thân thiết nhưng lại trái tính nhau, đặc biệt hơn Erica là một siêu anh hùng thực sự, cô ấy có thể bay và phóng lửa từ đôi tay, trong khi Louise là một người bình thường.
Điểm mình thích là có những tình tiết hài hước, cũng như một tình bạn đẹp giúp đỡ nhau. Những rắc rối khi trở thành siêu anh hùng, những mâu thuẫn của tuổi mới lớn. nhìn chung vẫn chỉ là tác phẩm YA bình thường.
Điểm mình thích là có những tình tiết hài hước, cũng như một tình bạn đẹp giúp đỡ nhau. Những rắc rối khi trở thành siêu anh hùng, những mâu thuẫn của tuổi mới lớn. nhìn chung vẫn chỉ là tác phẩm YA bình thường.
August 6, 2015
Really fun, and it gets the tensions of high school friendship just right. Plus, honestly, it's just so much fun to read a light, fun superhero book that's all about girls!
September 7, 2017
This book was a bit bland and predictable really. It felt like it was written by an amateur author, even though there's like 3 pages in the back by her gushing about how she loved writing her first book or something, and there's even this little note in the front (at least in my copy!) which says...
"Hello, I'm Nicole, and I wrote this book! I've lived in Edgware all my life, and this library has a huge place in my heart. I hope you enjoy my story, and please keep on reading! Lots of love, Nicole xxx"
I got this book directly out of Edgware Library - so although it does sound sweet of her to put a nice little note in here (it's all on nice pink paper and doesn't look like a photocopy) - it also doesn't sound very professional. It's a nice touch but it's not exactly how you get your book published.
But anyway. The book's setting made me think of The Incredibles. Or any superhero movie, really! Basically, there are people with superpowers and they're all famous and they're called Vigils.
In this book, one girl discovers she has superpowers and can fly and shoot flames and shit. But the main character is actually her best friend, who designs her costumes and helps keep it a secret and has no powers whatsoever.
Sounds so Cardcaptor Sakura, except not so good.
And then halfway through the book, her friend's superpowers are picked up by the Vigils, who recruit her and they don't see each other anymore...but then it turned out that one of the Vigils is more of a villain who wants to blow up London or something and she has to stop them, and there's some other supervillains who are in his gang, and one of them is literally Mrs Freeze or something.
And there's some guy she kisses at the end who turns out to be some super nerd. The villain's superpower is literally that he's a human photocopier. Yup.
That's about it really. It's more about friendship, I guess?...I mean the writing wasn't terrible or anything, but it wasn't that great either.
I guess if you read this if you were 11 and liked superheroes a bit, then you'd think it was rather cool. Even so it's still a very average superhero book and there's not much I can say about it at all.
"Hello, I'm Nicole, and I wrote this book! I've lived in Edgware all my life, and this library has a huge place in my heart. I hope you enjoy my story, and please keep on reading! Lots of love, Nicole xxx"
I got this book directly out of Edgware Library - so although it does sound sweet of her to put a nice little note in here (it's all on nice pink paper and doesn't look like a photocopy) - it also doesn't sound very professional. It's a nice touch but it's not exactly how you get your book published.
But anyway. The book's setting made me think of The Incredibles. Or any superhero movie, really! Basically, there are people with superpowers and they're all famous and they're called Vigils.
In this book, one girl discovers she has superpowers and can fly and shoot flames and shit. But the main character is actually her best friend, who designs her costumes and helps keep it a secret and has no powers whatsoever.
Sounds so Cardcaptor Sakura, except not so good.
And then halfway through the book, her friend's superpowers are picked up by the Vigils, who recruit her and they don't see each other anymore...but then it turned out that one of the Vigils is more of a villain who wants to blow up London or something and she has to stop them, and there's some other supervillains who are in his gang, and one of them is literally Mrs Freeze or something.
And there's some guy she kisses at the end who turns out to be some super nerd. The villain's superpower is literally that he's a human photocopier. Yup.
That's about it really. It's more about friendship, I guess?...I mean the writing wasn't terrible or anything, but it wasn't that great either.
I guess if you read this if you were 11 and liked superheroes a bit, then you'd think it was rather cool. Even so it's still a very average superhero book and there's not much I can say about it at all.
April 29, 2015
I won this through First Reads. Thank you to Andersen Press and Goodreads.
Othergirl is a story about a superhero and her sidekick. Erica can fly and shoot flames through her hands and what she wants more than anything is to be noticed and recruited by the Vigils, a group of the world's top superheroes. Louise is her sidekick, always in Erica's shadows, but she is used to it.
What struck me when reading it was that the tone of the book is for readers much much younger than me, for young teens. This book is very inoffensive. It's cute and fluffy without a lot of depth. The portrayal of Erica and Louise's friendship is believable, but superficial to a certain extent.
I have to admit I love the premise of the book; it's pretty imaginative. I also liked the inclusion of the defunct Aldwych Tube Station, one of the forgotten quirks in London transport. I really think that Burstein could've gone so much further with the story. She could have developed some details and her fictional world a lot more, such as explaining how and why Erica and others were gifted with special powers. I wish she was a little more daring and wanted to push some boundaries. When you take away the superhero element the plot follows the pattern of so many teen novels. I didn't like the relationship between Louise and Toby, because I feel that Toby didn't have anything for the reader, as well as Louise, to like or gush over. I skim read the predictable relationship parts between Louise and Toby.
I'd recommend this book for girls from the ages of 11-13. It's a short book and a nice palate cleanser.
Othergirl is a story about a superhero and her sidekick. Erica can fly and shoot flames through her hands and what she wants more than anything is to be noticed and recruited by the Vigils, a group of the world's top superheroes. Louise is her sidekick, always in Erica's shadows, but she is used to it.
What struck me when reading it was that the tone of the book is for readers much much younger than me, for young teens. This book is very inoffensive. It's cute and fluffy without a lot of depth. The portrayal of Erica and Louise's friendship is believable, but superficial to a certain extent.
I have to admit I love the premise of the book; it's pretty imaginative. I also liked the inclusion of the defunct Aldwych Tube Station, one of the forgotten quirks in London transport. I really think that Burstein could've gone so much further with the story. She could have developed some details and her fictional world a lot more, such as explaining how and why Erica and others were gifted with special powers. I wish she was a little more daring and wanted to push some boundaries. When you take away the superhero element the plot follows the pattern of so many teen novels. I didn't like the relationship between Louise and Toby, because I feel that Toby didn't have anything for the reader, as well as Louise, to like or gush over. I skim read the predictable relationship parts between Louise and Toby.
I'd recommend this book for girls from the ages of 11-13. It's a short book and a nice palate cleanser.
January 14, 2015
Review on its way! At some point!
August 12, 2015
This was such a cute and enjoyable story. I loved the superhero concept, and although that has been done before, it was strangely unique.
November 17, 2017
Two teenage girls undergoing the travails of growing up through friendship that gets strained at times, homework, boys - and parents. With the addition that Erica is one of a group of Superheroes called Vigils. The story is told by Louise, her less confident and assured friend and supporter, whose more normal life is a delightful contrast to and grounding both of the flying and fire-burning Erica and the story itself.
It's fun and quirky and, due to Louise's normalcy and problems with the super attractive and accomplished friend, definitely not too fantastical. Although the story is told by Louise, revolving around Erica and her exploits, for me the real story was Louise's own - understated as she sees herself. Yet where would Erica have been without Louise's solid, if at times embarrassed and uncomfortable, support?
And where would any heroine or hero be without their supporters?
It's fun and quirky and, due to Louise's normalcy and problems with the super attractive and accomplished friend, definitely not too fantastical. Although the story is told by Louise, revolving around Erica and her exploits, for me the real story was Louise's own - understated as she sees herself. Yet where would Erica have been without Louise's solid, if at times embarrassed and uncomfortable, support?
And where would any heroine or hero be without their supporters?
December 22, 2023
Oi vey. I'm sure I flew through this one (hehe see what I did there😂). This was a reread. I couldn't remember much going in, which helped. But I love this story. A lot of it is quite cliché, very high school angsty, but it's great. Would definitely read it again.
June 18, 2017
An enjoyable tale of two teenage girls, and their struggles with school, peer groups, boys, parents...
...and the fact that only they know that one of them is a superhero. Heartfelt and fun.
...and the fact that only they know that one of them is a superhero. Heartfelt and fun.
October 22, 2017
Nicole has written a fantastic book for young adults. Wish it was around when I was a teenager!
March 25, 2019
I'm too old for this lol. The story is ok though, just doesn't have many ups and downs and feels kinda blant.
March 16, 2024
I loved this! It might have got me out of my reading slump.
March 2, 2015
Othergirl and I could have been a match made in heaven - no, seriously, I looooooove superhero reads. I was obsessed with my Father's comics a few years ago, and it's one of the reasons I wanted to consider Dark Star (and really really liked it) but Othergirl was just a little too young, too immature and too lacking in a few features I really need in a good book, but it's definitely not a terrible read.
To start with, when this book is marketed to 'young adults', what it really means is 12+ because the writing, and character's attitude and the lack of strong substance in the novel was such a shame - I am twenty now, and this book made me feel like it. I've read books with much more mature characters, and I cannot judge (much) all teenagers on just a few, but these characters, many of them just felt too simplistic, too underdeveloped and really didn't grow into people I could really come to care for. In fact, I really didn't feel an awful lot for these characters at all. Louise was a strong main character - yes, she has your 'not-your-typical-teenager checklist' going on: always sensible, always reading, doing all homework, hanging in the library on your break, you know, you're very not 'party girl' character, which of course, had to be balanced out by Louise's 'best' (we'll get to that in a moment) friend, Erica, who, as you can expect, is the complete opposite, complete with blonde hair, blue eyes and the amazing 'it-girl' crew. She then, as you're probably thinking, starts to fall for the 'was nerdy but over summer got hot' nerd dude (and I secretly really liked this part, it was A* adorable!) As far as recipes for classic teenage story, you've got the predictable features spot on. We can throw in a well timed argument between best friends, which, from where I was sitting, didn't exactly seem like a healthy relationship anyway, there was a lot of give from Louise and take from Erica, but very little in return, it's not the type of relationship I'd want with my best friend, I can tell you that, and there was of course the 'big secret hidden from romantic interest causing friction' - I guess you could say, think of the things that are usually used within a young teenage story, and I could probably point them out in Othergirl.
But it wasn't all bad. I did enjoy and appreciate the messages this book wanted to convey with young teenagers, especially girls; that being the next top looking model isn't important and that there's a line between sexy and pervy, that there are problems in everyone's life, we cannot judge one against another, there are many ways to achieve something, but the most moral is the most rewarding, and the biggest message, that sometimes, a friendship comes before a romance, and that's something Othergirl, despite my issues, succeeded at. Louise and Erica, throughout the novel, turned to one another, shared their inner most emotions, were both a strong support network and were a powerful double act, the brains and the braun, the thinker and the action-taker, and adult-like and the child-at-heart, they did, deep down, have a wonderful friendship, and many more books in the young adult sector need to take note - not every book needs to work around a romance, friendships are just as important, if not more so.
Othergirl's plot is a little shakey to say the least, it's writing is immature and definitely directed towards a younger read then myself, and the characters really could have done with a dose of 'calm-the-heck-down' and 'there's-more-to-life-than-flying-and-flirting' potion, but all in all, Othergirl was an enjoyable read. It's action scenes were well executed and definitely some of this novels better angles, and the strong messages conveyed really help this book along. Othergirl is definitely going to be a winner for some younger teens just coming into their young adult genres, but for me, maybe not quite the story I was hoping for..
To start with, when this book is marketed to 'young adults', what it really means is 12+ because the writing, and character's attitude and the lack of strong substance in the novel was such a shame - I am twenty now, and this book made me feel like it. I've read books with much more mature characters, and I cannot judge (much) all teenagers on just a few, but these characters, many of them just felt too simplistic, too underdeveloped and really didn't grow into people I could really come to care for. In fact, I really didn't feel an awful lot for these characters at all. Louise was a strong main character - yes, she has your 'not-your-typical-teenager checklist' going on: always sensible, always reading, doing all homework, hanging in the library on your break, you know, you're very not 'party girl' character, which of course, had to be balanced out by Louise's 'best' (we'll get to that in a moment) friend, Erica, who, as you can expect, is the complete opposite, complete with blonde hair, blue eyes and the amazing 'it-girl' crew. She then, as you're probably thinking, starts to fall for the 'was nerdy but over summer got hot' nerd dude (and I secretly really liked this part, it was A* adorable!) As far as recipes for classic teenage story, you've got the predictable features spot on. We can throw in a well timed argument between best friends, which, from where I was sitting, didn't exactly seem like a healthy relationship anyway, there was a lot of give from Louise and take from Erica, but very little in return, it's not the type of relationship I'd want with my best friend, I can tell you that, and there was of course the 'big secret hidden from romantic interest causing friction' - I guess you could say, think of the things that are usually used within a young teenage story, and I could probably point them out in Othergirl.
But it wasn't all bad. I did enjoy and appreciate the messages this book wanted to convey with young teenagers, especially girls; that being the next top looking model isn't important and that there's a line between sexy and pervy, that there are problems in everyone's life, we cannot judge one against another, there are many ways to achieve something, but the most moral is the most rewarding, and the biggest message, that sometimes, a friendship comes before a romance, and that's something Othergirl, despite my issues, succeeded at. Louise and Erica, throughout the novel, turned to one another, shared their inner most emotions, were both a strong support network and were a powerful double act, the brains and the braun, the thinker and the action-taker, and adult-like and the child-at-heart, they did, deep down, have a wonderful friendship, and many more books in the young adult sector need to take note - not every book needs to work around a romance, friendships are just as important, if not more so.
Othergirl's plot is a little shakey to say the least, it's writing is immature and definitely directed towards a younger read then myself, and the characters really could have done with a dose of 'calm-the-heck-down' and 'there's-more-to-life-than-flying-and-flirting' potion, but all in all, Othergirl was an enjoyable read. It's action scenes were well executed and definitely some of this novels better angles, and the strong messages conveyed really help this book along. Othergirl is definitely going to be a winner for some younger teens just coming into their young adult genres, but for me, maybe not quite the story I was hoping for..
July 1, 2015
*Please note that I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review*
Imagine you're a teenager - a shy, book-loving girl, awkward and definitely more of a nerdy type, and your same-age best friend Erica is one of the popular girls at school with perfect hair and boys swarming around her. Imagine that in your world there exist superheroes called Vigils, whose organisation has chapters in several main cities in the world, and who are always looking for new talented members. Imagine that they are the top world celebrities, loved by millions of fans with dedicated fan websites, followed by photographers wherever they go, and with huge sponsorship deals. And now imagine that your best friend one day comes to you scared because she keeps dreaming of fire and flames and she keeps getting very hot flushes, but doesn’t want to go to a doctor, until one day after a huge argument with her mother her hands burst into flame! And a short time after you both discover that she can fly! And now you know that she is a superhero just like those celebrities on the TV… but you are not. What would you do?
Louise does what a best friend would do – helps Erica in every way she can. Writes her homework for her when she practices her superpowers in the dark (so that no one would see her before she can control the powers and is ready to contact the Vigils), helps her in school, sews and repairs her costume, covers for her whenever it’s needed, and is there for her when she again fights with her demanding and always argumentative mother… She is genuinely happy for her friend and just wants her to be the best new superhero possible. Together they plan for the best way to reveal herself to the Vigils while dreaming of what life will be like for the two of them and how they will still be best friends then.
But then a new older boy appears – dark and brooding Jay with a motorcycle, with whom Erica becomes completely infatuated, and suddenly there is a rift between the friends… until Erica discovers that Jay is a scout for the Vigils and now he is taking her to the London Vigils’ headquarters to properly start her training, except that Erica doesn’t want to go without Louise while Jay would prefer if Louise just forgot about Erica. And here is when things start moving quite fast and get quite complicated, including the fact that suddenly Louise’s friend Toby, with whom she works in the library, suddenly invites her to the movies and it looks like it’s… a date?
This is a well-written, both funny and serious book about friendship and growing up. I kept asking myself a lot of the times what would I do in these situations when I was a teenager! I really loved finding out all the twists and turns, and had great fun reading this. It’s definitely worth reading and I would very much love to see a second book to find out what happens next!
Imagine you're a teenager - a shy, book-loving girl, awkward and definitely more of a nerdy type, and your same-age best friend Erica is one of the popular girls at school with perfect hair and boys swarming around her. Imagine that in your world there exist superheroes called Vigils, whose organisation has chapters in several main cities in the world, and who are always looking for new talented members. Imagine that they are the top world celebrities, loved by millions of fans with dedicated fan websites, followed by photographers wherever they go, and with huge sponsorship deals. And now imagine that your best friend one day comes to you scared because she keeps dreaming of fire and flames and she keeps getting very hot flushes, but doesn’t want to go to a doctor, until one day after a huge argument with her mother her hands burst into flame! And a short time after you both discover that she can fly! And now you know that she is a superhero just like those celebrities on the TV… but you are not. What would you do?
Louise does what a best friend would do – helps Erica in every way she can. Writes her homework for her when she practices her superpowers in the dark (so that no one would see her before she can control the powers and is ready to contact the Vigils), helps her in school, sews and repairs her costume, covers for her whenever it’s needed, and is there for her when she again fights with her demanding and always argumentative mother… She is genuinely happy for her friend and just wants her to be the best new superhero possible. Together they plan for the best way to reveal herself to the Vigils while dreaming of what life will be like for the two of them and how they will still be best friends then.
But then a new older boy appears – dark and brooding Jay with a motorcycle, with whom Erica becomes completely infatuated, and suddenly there is a rift between the friends… until Erica discovers that Jay is a scout for the Vigils and now he is taking her to the London Vigils’ headquarters to properly start her training, except that Erica doesn’t want to go without Louise while Jay would prefer if Louise just forgot about Erica. And here is when things start moving quite fast and get quite complicated, including the fact that suddenly Louise’s friend Toby, with whom she works in the library, suddenly invites her to the movies and it looks like it’s… a date?
This is a well-written, both funny and serious book about friendship and growing up. I kept asking myself a lot of the times what would I do in these situations when I was a teenager! I really loved finding out all the twists and turns, and had great fun reading this. It’s definitely worth reading and I would very much love to see a second book to find out what happens next!
April 20, 2015
I would quite like to read the book about Superman that Jimmy Olsen writes. Or Commissioner Gordon's reminiscences of Batman. We often see and read superhero stories, but never from the point of view of the superpower-lacking sidekicks. The ones who watch from the sidelines, who have to be saved, who never get any credit.
So to discover a Young Adult story about the schoolgirl library assistant whose best friend has recently realised she has superpowers was a real pleasure. Louise is carefully protecting Erica - Flamegirl - patching up her regularly-burned outfits, keeping her identity secret, and trying to work out how to get her in touch with Vigil, a group of international superheroes, sponsor-endorsed celebrities.
Pushing aside feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, Louise does her best to protect Erica, who can fly and has the power of fire. In the middle of school exams and the confusing feelings of a crush on fellow library worker Toby, Erica gets the opportunity to reveal her powers to the world, but just what will happen when Vigil at last findn Erica and want her to join them? Louise's loyalty is pitted against powers far greater than friendship.
A breath of fresh air, really. Such a novel concept, well thought-through. This really does make you feel that the world of the Incredibles, where superheroes are common and accepted members of society, could be a real one. Louise feels realistic, a girl who loves her best friend but feels all those emotions you'd expect if your friendship was an unequal one. She is also brave, resourceful and smart. Erica also feels well-drawn. She's still new to her powers, revelling in her skills but held back by a troubled home life, a need for acceptance and direction. Toby, Louise's friend and crush is the usual sidekick (of a sidekick?!) but gets a little more 'screentime' and action than most, and is pretty sweet.
There are some great action scenes, a group of superheroes and their organisations that I'd love to see visually represented on the screen, and scope for further books in the series to expand this world.
This will appeal more to girls I would say, based on the protagonists, cover and premise. It isn't violent or graphic so would suit a confident reader aged 11-15.
Loved it, and would read more if this becomes a series.
So to discover a Young Adult story about the schoolgirl library assistant whose best friend has recently realised she has superpowers was a real pleasure. Louise is carefully protecting Erica - Flamegirl - patching up her regularly-burned outfits, keeping her identity secret, and trying to work out how to get her in touch with Vigil, a group of international superheroes, sponsor-endorsed celebrities.
Pushing aside feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, Louise does her best to protect Erica, who can fly and has the power of fire. In the middle of school exams and the confusing feelings of a crush on fellow library worker Toby, Erica gets the opportunity to reveal her powers to the world, but just what will happen when Vigil at last findn Erica and want her to join them? Louise's loyalty is pitted against powers far greater than friendship.
A breath of fresh air, really. Such a novel concept, well thought-through. This really does make you feel that the world of the Incredibles, where superheroes are common and accepted members of society, could be a real one. Louise feels realistic, a girl who loves her best friend but feels all those emotions you'd expect if your friendship was an unequal one. She is also brave, resourceful and smart. Erica also feels well-drawn. She's still new to her powers, revelling in her skills but held back by a troubled home life, a need for acceptance and direction. Toby, Louise's friend and crush is the usual sidekick (of a sidekick?!) but gets a little more 'screentime' and action than most, and is pretty sweet.
There are some great action scenes, a group of superheroes and their organisations that I'd love to see visually represented on the screen, and scope for further books in the series to expand this world.
This will appeal more to girls I would say, based on the protagonists, cover and premise. It isn't violent or graphic so would suit a confident reader aged 11-15.
Loved it, and would read more if this becomes a series.
July 31, 2016
This was a great book! It's a kids book but the premise really stood out to me as something I would want to read. Basically the protagonist is a superheroes best friend. And has to deal with jealousy, worry, the fine line between helping and controlling- all while dealing with her own problems like her upcoming GCSE's and the boy she likes. And she deals with them like a real teenage girl would. So much of this was familiar to me from my own childhood that I was super impressed. But it wasn't just another typical teenage drama problem because this is a world where superheroes are out and about. It tows the line of relatability so perfectly while letting it all be exciting because of the superpowers that I think it puts across the message of good friendship and good choices without being obvious and putting young readers off.
Nicole is clearly a comic book fan too, it shows and I love it. A character even makes a nod to the Golden Age of comic books by calling the past the 'Golden Days'. As a fan myself, I love it and I think that the passion for superheroes shines through. This would be a great transition book for kids that don't really read novels but love comic books. To be honest, it's an all around great book for younger teens that I really recommend.
"I just want you to remind me, in case I ever become silly to the point of no return, that nobody cared what the amazing Clara looked like, OK?"
Originally posted on Imogen’s Typewriter.
Nicole is clearly a comic book fan too, it shows and I love it. A character even makes a nod to the Golden Age of comic books by calling the past the 'Golden Days'. As a fan myself, I love it and I think that the passion for superheroes shines through. This would be a great transition book for kids that don't really read novels but love comic books. To be honest, it's an all around great book for younger teens that I really recommend.
"I just want you to remind me, in case I ever become silly to the point of no return, that nobody cared what the amazing Clara looked like, OK?"
Originally posted on Imogen’s Typewriter.
May 11, 2016
Louise doesn't just have the normal school, homework, boys and friends stuff to worry about, she also has best friend who might set fire to something while trying to save it! As Erica's back-up, Louise has made her costume, helped her find out more about her powers, train with her and down everything she can to get the attention of the Vigil's, the official superhero team.
I'm in a superhero binge, so I did really like this. Plus it was a girl superhero! However, not only did it feel a bit young and simplified, there was also no in-depth explanation for the superhero's and where their powers came from. That back story I would have loved; we did get Erica's progression, which showed how far she'd come and her strength, but beyond the fact that she suddenly had powers, it wasn't explained.
I love a good and healthy girl friendship and these two might have had their ups and downs but in the end, they were there for each other. Having said that, it did feel quite one sided at times; Louise was the one stuck at home, doing both of their homework, keeping Erica's secret, while Erica apparently just needed Louise around as a confidence booster. I don't know, it was from Louise's perspective so maybe Erica really did need her support but I got annoyed with her, I don't know how Louise didn't!
Maybe a little young for me, but definitely enjoyable and refreshing to see a female, not to mention still learning, superhero and the emphasis on female friendship.
I'm in a superhero binge, so I did really like this. Plus it was a girl superhero! However, not only did it feel a bit young and simplified, there was also no in-depth explanation for the superhero's and where their powers came from. That back story I would have loved; we did get Erica's progression, which showed how far she'd come and her strength, but beyond the fact that she suddenly had powers, it wasn't explained.
I love a good and healthy girl friendship and these two might have had their ups and downs but in the end, they were there for each other. Having said that, it did feel quite one sided at times; Louise was the one stuck at home, doing both of their homework, keeping Erica's secret, while Erica apparently just needed Louise around as a confidence booster. I don't know, it was from Louise's perspective so maybe Erica really did need her support but I got annoyed with her, I don't know how Louise didn't!
Maybe a little young for me, but definitely enjoyable and refreshing to see a female, not to mention still learning, superhero and the emphasis on female friendship.
April 3, 2015
I started Othergirl expecting a light, fun teen read, and for the first part of the book this was pretty much how it went. Louise, as the shy and withdrawn friend of Erica - popular, confident superhero in training - had an easy voice to fall in to and a unique story to tell. What is it like to always be the sidekick or Scooby? Well, no spoilers, but it's an interesting ride. The plot might be a bit predictable at times, but it's a fun new way to tell the story.
However, the thing that made the book really stand out for me was the way it handled teenage friendship. There are loads of YA novels that address female friendships, usually in high schools or secondary schools, and they're usually great, but I've never related to one of their relationships as strongly as I related to the friendship between Erica and Louise. I'm not sure if it's that was it clearly UK based, set in the actual landscape of my teen years (with added superheroes), or that the relationship was just particularly well drawn, but oh, it was familiar! Everything, from Louise's fundamental fear that she'll lose Erica to popularity or the other superheroes, to the arguments they had about boys, families and jealousy, were vivid reminders of my friendships at that age. I'm always excited by stories where the main relationship is a friendship, and Othergirl filled that hole for me nicely.
However, the thing that made the book really stand out for me was the way it handled teenage friendship. There are loads of YA novels that address female friendships, usually in high schools or secondary schools, and they're usually great, but I've never related to one of their relationships as strongly as I related to the friendship between Erica and Louise. I'm not sure if it's that was it clearly UK based, set in the actual landscape of my teen years (with added superheroes), or that the relationship was just particularly well drawn, but oh, it was familiar! Everything, from Louise's fundamental fear that she'll lose Erica to popularity or the other superheroes, to the arguments they had about boys, families and jealousy, were vivid reminders of my friendships at that age. I'm always excited by stories where the main relationship is a friendship, and Othergirl filled that hole for me nicely.
April 9, 2015
link to review
Erica Elland and Louise Kirby are best friends, and even if they drift apart sometimes, there will always be this secret keeping them close - Erica is a superhero. Like, flying and everything. And nobody knows except for Louise.
Louise covers for Erica when she's out testing her powers. She does her homework twice so that Erica doesn't fall behind, and does the repair work on her burnt-out costume. Because Erica can not only fly, but she can produce fire from her hands, which has led to a lot of hilarious accidents in this book, which I loved.
When Erica meets Jay, a recruiter for the Vigils - a team of superheroes known worldwide - Louise has a bad feeling about him. Along with Vigil-fanboy Toby, she sets out to investigate and hopefully save the day.
As Erica starts to find new Vigil friends, she no longer needs Louise as much as she did when no one else knew about her powers. This leads to some distance forming between the girls - but Louise isn't giving up on their friendship.
I really, really enjoyed this book! It was funny, thrilling, and it definitely lived up to my expectations - I can't wait for what Nicole will write next!
Erica Elland and Louise Kirby are best friends, and even if they drift apart sometimes, there will always be this secret keeping them close - Erica is a superhero. Like, flying and everything. And nobody knows except for Louise.
Louise covers for Erica when she's out testing her powers. She does her homework twice so that Erica doesn't fall behind, and does the repair work on her burnt-out costume. Because Erica can not only fly, but she can produce fire from her hands, which has led to a lot of hilarious accidents in this book, which I loved.
When Erica meets Jay, a recruiter for the Vigils - a team of superheroes known worldwide - Louise has a bad feeling about him. Along with Vigil-fanboy Toby, she sets out to investigate and hopefully save the day.
As Erica starts to find new Vigil friends, she no longer needs Louise as much as she did when no one else knew about her powers. This leads to some distance forming between the girls - but Louise isn't giving up on their friendship.
I really, really enjoyed this book! It was funny, thrilling, and it definitely lived up to my expectations - I can't wait for what Nicole will write next!
April 6, 2015
I had such high hopes for Othergirl by Nicole Burstein. I was under the impression it was a story about superheroes and friendship. But unfortunately, I wasn't really feeling the friendship between the main character, Louise, and her secret superhero best friend, Erica. For me, their friendship felt very one-sided with Louise putting in more of the effort and Erica basking in what Louise did for her and being generally ungrateful for it. Quite often within the narrative, Louise will bring up some aspect of their friendship that feels unfair or one-sided but very rarely calls Erica on it. In fact, I felt that way about all the major story lines brought up in this book.
I liked the super heroes (and one in particular Amazing Clara was mentioned a fair deal) but I didn't feel as though I came away from the story knowing much more than surface information about them. The problems in the friendship between Louise and Erica are brought up but not really dealt with. Neither is the mini-romantic element between Louise and another character. Mostly I just wanted more from this book.
I liked the super heroes (and one in particular Amazing Clara was mentioned a fair deal) but I didn't feel as though I came away from the story knowing much more than surface information about them. The problems in the friendship between Louise and Erica are brought up but not really dealt with. Neither is the mini-romantic element between Louise and another character. Mostly I just wanted more from this book.
April 8, 2015
Louise’s best friend Erica is a superhero, only no-one else knows. Louise is helping Erica refine her skills before she goes public with the hope of joining the elite team of superheroes, known as Vigils, who protect the community.
This is a story of friendship, with a touch of romance and a big dollop of action.
I wish I could sound a little more enthusiastic but alas the book didn’t meet the expectations set up with all the buzz surrounding its release.
I found the characters unengaging, the plot transparent and the writing mediocre at best.
This is a story of friendship, with a touch of romance and a big dollop of action.
I wish I could sound a little more enthusiastic but alas the book didn’t meet the expectations set up with all the buzz surrounding its release.
I found the characters unengaging, the plot transparent and the writing mediocre at best.
July 19, 2015
This book was.....Interesting. It was a fairly enjoyable read, but it takes a long time to reach the actual action and so it takes a lot of willpower to stick with it and wait for something to happen.
However, if you are patient and wait, it is a gripping novel, but I still think they could have left a few bits out such as the arguments about her name and the nights in the park that are just pointless to the rest of of the storyline.
Overall, an enjoyable book with a quirky style, but it takes a while to get into.
However, if you are patient and wait, it is a gripping novel, but I still think they could have left a few bits out such as the arguments about her name and the nights in the park that are just pointless to the rest of of the storyline.
Overall, an enjoyable book with a quirky style, but it takes a while to get into.
October 10, 2016
I really loved this and the idea of the Vigils, and Louise being just a normal girl trying to deal with her friendship with Eric, who has powers, such an exciting, well paced read. I was hooked and couldn't wait to read through the whole thing. I liked the introduction of the Anti Vigils, Jay, Dozer and Blizzard, and how they affected the story, and impacted the ending. I really loved Toby and Louise's relationship too! Best story I have read for a while! I hope to read more by this author and hopefully more about the Vigils!
July 27, 2015
I liked it, but the voice and writing were a bit younger than I was expecting. Entertaining and it explored themes that I like, such as female friendship, commercialised society, popularity. However I don't think Erica and Louise's friendship clicked for me (the fact that they were only friends outside of school was odd to me). It's fairly forgettable and I felt the villain was a caricarature. I think younger readers who enjoy superheroes would enjoy it though. 2.5 stars
April 21, 2015
I was given a copy of this to review. Ok so I'm way over the target audience age but I really enjoyed it. It's fun, fast and simply enjoyable. I liked how it portrayed Louise's point of view as a non super hero watching her friend and friendship change with Erica (Flamegirl) and the ethical questions raised. Good fun.
February 8, 2017
I liked the story very much. Normally, you always read such stories from the hero's point of view, but here it is different, here we get to know the superheroes from the perspective of a totally normal girl. Reading was a lot of fun. I read it in one go and was quite sad that it was already over, I would have liked to read more of the two.
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